Concussion policy tackled by Portsmouth School Board

PORTSMOUTH — A new school district policy establishes protocols that must be followed when student-athletes receive concussions.

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By Joey Cresta

seacoastonline.com

By Joey Cresta

Posted Dec. 12, 2012 at 2:00 AM

By Joey Cresta

Posted Dec. 12, 2012 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

PORTSMOUTH — A new school district policy establishes protocols that must be followed when student-athletes receive concussions.

The School Board unanimously approved a first reading of the policy Tuesday night. Portsmouth Athletic Director Rus Wilson said the policy is based on state guidelines that the district already follows. The adoption of the policy simply puts in writing what Portsmouth's practices will be going forward.

The policy states that the district will annually distribute head injury and concussion information to all parents and guardians of student-athletes before the first practice or game. All coaches, including volunteers, will also complete training as recommended by the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association, Department of Education and any other relevant organizations.

The policy requires the athletic director to review any changes in procedures required for concussions and adopt those for the upcoming school year, ensuring the district remains aware of the accepted practices for handling head injuries.

Any time a coach or other official suspects a student has received a concussion, he or she must immediately remove the student from the game. The student will not be able to return to the game or practice on the same day and/or until he or she is evaluated by a health care provider and receives medical clearance.

Wilson told the School Board the district already requires a minimum of five days off before a student-athlete can return to activity and must have signed permission from parents, a doctor and athletic trainer before returning.

The board received in its packet a document outlining information on concussions, which are a form of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. Signs include appearing dazed or stunned, experiencing confusion or forgetfulness or being slow to respond. Athletes may experience headaches or "pressure" in the head, nausea or vomiting, balance problems, dizziness, double vision or sensitivity to light or noise.

Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness, and young children and teens are more likely to sustain concussions and take longer to recover than adults. Anyone who has sustained one concussion is at an increased risk for another one.

A portion of the discussion Tuesday focused on the fact that elementary and middle school sports are not regulated in the same way as high school athletics. When asked whether he believes the policy is adequate, Wilson said that is a discussion the athletics department has frequently.

He said the policy does omit factors that the district cannot account for, particularly self-reporting of concussions. He said head injuries do not always occur in games where trainers are immediately available, and may occur in practice when no coach is watching. He said the last thing athletes want to do is miss time, but the district must emphasize the importance of reporting concussions because of the long-term repercussions.

Wilson also pointed out the policy only governs school sports and not recreation or other youth-sports programs.

"While we don't govern them we can certainly ... give out the same information that we give out to school teams," he said.

The local discussion about head injuries in student-athletes arose after a School Board member in Dover made a controversial proposal to eliminate football from athletic offerings.

The board will have a second reading of the policy at a future meeting.